Honoring Officer Donald Mazzone: The Man Who Made Miami Springs Slow Down

If you’ve lived here long enough, you’ve definitely heard of Officer Mazzone. He was famous for protecting our community and for making sure you thought twice before touching that gas pedal. I remember heading to Miami Springs Senior High one morning, going just 2 miles over the limit, when I saw those flashing lights. He walked up and asked, “Where are you heading?” I said, “School.” He smiled and said, “Well, now you’re going to be late.” That was it, lesson learned. From then on, I joined the club of locals who warn friends, "Don’t speed in Miami Springs." If you went even a mile over, you got a ticket.

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Don’s journey in law enforcement began in 1965 as a reserve officer with the Hialeah Police Department, before joining the Miami Springs Police Department, where he rose through the ranks from motorcycle officer to commander. He dedicated his life to serving and protecting our community, becoming both respected, and for speeders, a little feared. His presence on the streets was unforgettable, and even after more than 20 years of retirement, people still use his name to this day. Just ask Buzz Fleischman, who wrote a song about Miami Springs and gave Officer Mazzone a "shout-out" in the lyrics. While he was famously strict about speeding, I recently found out he had a deep passion for speed. His love for a good adrenaline rush fueled his collection of hot rods and fast boats. 
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After a long, remarkable career, and a beautiful life surrounded by family, 
Donald “Don” Mazzone passed away on July 5th, 2025, leaving behind a legacy forever woven into the heart of our city. Those who knew Officer Mazzone saw his unwavering loyalty, not just to Miami Springs, but to his family, friends, and fellow officers.
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On August 11th, the Mayor and City Council made it official: the stretch of Park Street between Westward Drive and Nahkoda Drive will now proudly be known as “Officer Donald E. Mazzone Way.” A perfect way to make sure one of our most legendary hometown heroes will always have his name on the streets he once patrolled.
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Everyone who lived here during his years of service has a “Mazzone story” -whether it was being pulled over, receiving a helping hand, or just enjoying a friendly conversation.
Now, with “Officer Donald E. Mazzone Way” on the map, future generations will see his name and ask, “Who was Officer Mazzone?” And we’ll proudly answer: He was a protector, a leader, a friend, and one of the many heroes of Miami Springs.
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Thank you, Officer Mazzone. You will always be part of our hometown story. ❤️